Protestors Rally Against Immigration Changes

So Far, Rallies Have Been Peaceful

Protesters held a rally in Downtown Boston Monday in support of immigrant rights. The protestors took their demonstrations to the streets of Boston Monday evening.

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that similar rallies took place across the country Monday and so far, they've been peaceful.

The Boston rally is the second such rally in a matter of weeks around the Boston Common. Approximately 2,000 people gathered to protest an immigration bill being considered by Congress. A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would make it a felony to be in the country illegally.

"We work hard and we pay taxes, too. I am paying 20 percent of my pay check every week," said Esvin, an undocumented immigrant who came to the United States from Guatemala 15 years ago.

"This country is made of immigrants. Legal or illegal, we are all immigrants. We all come from somewhere," said America Velasquez.

"How is it right that illegal immigrants can come into this country and get free health care when we have veterans and our elderly that are having trouble getting the same care? That is a disgrace," said Dennis Coull, of the Teamsters' Union.

"I think that is ridiculous. These people would probably be deathly ill before they decide to go to the hospital and I have been in hospitals many times. I am a citizen. (The hospitals) make me wait in the waiting room for hours and I have health insurance," said Mike Lozano.

But some lawmakers say Congress must enact some kind of immigration controls.

"It is the reluctance to live by the rules that is alarming everyone. It is the 'everything is free in America, even our behavior.' If, indeed, we are going to countenance this law breaking, let's close the court system," said state Rep. Marie Parente, of Milford.

The U.S. Senate is considering milder proposals, but went into recess last week without agreeing on any one bill.